Tucked away in the heart of the country and nestled between lakes and mountains, if there was one city to sum up the breathtaking natural beauty of Switzerland, it would have to be Lucerne. The moment you step foot from the train station and set your eyes on this city, surrounded by the dreamy Lake Lucerne, mountains soaring in the background, you just stand in awe. This is a must visit on any Switzerland itinerary and here is how to enjoy Lucerne on a budget. PS If you are planning a trip to Switzerland , here is my brand new guide to Switzerland on a budget , my guide to Zurich on a budget and also checkout my guide to the best free things to do in Basel and the best things to do in Chur Lucerne panorama from Museggmauer 1. Visit the Musegg Wall Address: Auf Musegg, 6004 Luzern Medieval fortification stretching 870m with nine towers, offering sweeping views over the Old Town, lake and Alps An ancient fortification that protected the city in medieval times, serves as a historic landmark, a home to Lucerne’s wildlife and an excellent place to take in the views of the city and the surrounding mountains. Nestled in the heart of the Old Town and stretching over an incredible 800 metres, navigating the Musegg Wall and its nine towers is a wonderful way to drink in Lucerne’s history. The 31 metre high, Zyt tower houses a clock face on its exterior that can be viewed from as far away as the Lake. Jackdaws, common lizards and insects call this well preserved wall, their home, and is undoubtedly one of Lucerne’s best preserved historical. Keep in mind that during the winter months (November-March), the Wall and Towers remains closed for visitors. 2. Visit the Lion Monument Address: Denkmalstrasse 4, 6006 Luzern Moving rock-relief memorial to the Swiss Guards, carved into a cliff face in a quiet park The ‘Lion of Lucerne’ designed by Bertel Thorvaldsen, is a moving tribute to those Swiss Guards who perished in battle, during the French Revolution. The rock relief carved into the cliff face is a spectacular 10 metres long and 6 metres high but rather than the size of the sculpture, or the grandeur of the carving, it is the expression of mortal pain on the lion’s face that is the most arresting. Situated in a city park in the centre of town , the stunning grotto with the poignant sandstone carving allows visitors to step back in time and pay homage to the lives of six hundred brave souls. 3. The wooden bridges of Lucern-Chapel Bridge and Chaff Bridge Address: Kapellbrücke, 6002 Luzern Europe’s oldest covered wooden bridge, its interior lined with historic paintings of Lucerne’s story Lucerne’s Chapel Bridge is Europe’s oldest covered bridge. Made from wood, the footbridge traverses the River Reuss diagonally, and its gorgeous interior paintings depict several scenes from Lucerne’s history. The beautiful bridge suffered fire damage in 1993 and several of the paintings were destroyed at the time but have now been lovingly restored. The bridge stands as a symbol for the city and its central Water Tower and the bridge with masses of colourful hanging flowers – are emblematic of the city’s beauty. The smaller, less well-known Chaff Bridge is not to be ignored. This bridge also contains a number of panelled paintings although the theme of some of these paintings is death and the ever changing cycle of life. Built later than Chapel Bridge, not only is Chaff Bridge shorter, the purpose of its building was to connect the flour mills to the Old Town. Bread was made in bakeries in the New Town, to lessen the chance of a fire breaking out in the Old town, and the Chaff Bridge was an important means of connecting the people of Old Town with an important source of sustenance. 4. Swim in the Lake at Ufschötti Address: Alpenquai, 6005 Luzern A 200m sandy strip on Lake Lucerne, ideal for a summer swim, picnic or barbecue If you are a sun worshipper and crave the feel of a sandy beach between your toes, then look no further – a dip in Lake Lucerne is possible during the summer months at the swathe of green space known as as the Ufschötti. The park is south of Lucerne’s main train station and consists of a strip of sand 200 metres long, adjacent to the Lake. Have a picnic in the green space behind the beach, shaded by trees or enjoy a barbecue. During the summer months, a beach bar serves hot and cold drinks. Other amenities include toilets as well as showers to be used after a refreshing dip in the Lake. Sip on a cold drink and look onto the beauty of Lake Lucerne, shrouded by mountains in the background . 5. Visit the painted squares of the old Town of Lucerne One of the best things about strolling through the Old Town of Lucerne is its pedestrian only streets, enabling the visitor to take their time, drinking in the historical sights – one of which is the incredibly beautiful painted squares scattered about town. Start at the Weinmarkt, originally the site of a fish market, but now pay special attention to the beautiful fountain with its octagonal basin and column made of limestone. Of note are the frescoes on the façade of the Hotel des Balances and also the special fresco depicting the miracle of Jesus turning water into wine. At the Hirschenplatz, you will find the Kornmarkt – a trading hall, a granary and then the Town Hall – in its long history. Do pay attention to the facades of the historical houses in the square. The Mühlenplatz is Lucerne’s largest historic square, but it is Kapellplatz that is home to the colourful Fritschi Fountain. 6. Go shopping at one of the many excellent 2nd Hand clothing shops in Lucerne 1. FIZZEN Lucerne Address: Löwengraben 15, 6004 Luzern Curated
LUV Lounges Are Coming – Cranky Flier
Hello, Seattle! We are doing our first ever LIVE taping of The Air Show podcast, and you can join us in the audience. We’ll be interviewing Alaska President Shane Tackett on stage right after the airline’s media and investor day on September 29. There will be plenty to discuss, and as an added bonus, Boeing has given us access to the company’s Customer Experience Center for the event. Buy tickets today before they sell out. Southwest Announces Entry Into Lounge Game It’s being called the worst-kept secret in the industry, and that’s probably accurate — but it’s a secret no more, as Southwest announced its plan to open 11 lounges across the country — the first of which will open by the end of 2027. The lounges will be opened in conjunction with Chase and “will combine the warmth and friendliness Customers expect from Southwest with sophisticated design, locally-inspired dining, high-quality amenities, and valuable travel benefits that are offered today in the Chase Sapphire Reserve Lounge Network,” according to Southwest. The first four locations will be Austin, Baltimore, Honolulu, and Nashville. These serve as three of the top hubs intentional connecting opportunities in Southwest’s network… plus Austin where Southwest is in a dogfight with Delta. They’re all natural first choices. Exact access procedures to the lounges is not known at this point, other than that a Chase credit card will be a factor. Whether or not those on Business Select fares receive access also is not yet known. Our suggestion to Southwest (and this is free of charge) is to give customers a letter and number upon checking in (say, something like A25 or B11). Then they can attempt to source some sort of placard or post which allows customers to line up in order of their assigned number and can then be admitted to the lounge in that order. Air Canada’s Summer Expansion This week it was Air Canada’s turn to announce new global destinations for summer 2027, and the carrier is adding to Asia, Europe, and Latin America with new flights from its three main international gateways in Montréal, Toronto, and Vancouver. Five new cities will join the AC family: Basel Dubrovnik Guangzhou Oslo Shannon From Toronto, AC will operate summer seasonal service to Oslo, operating 4x weekly on the A321XLR. Toronto – Shannon will also fly on the XLR, and it will operate 3x weekly during the summer. YYZ to Nice will also be summer-only, and it’ll fly 2x weekly on the A330-300. Also from Toronto, 1x weekly Guatemala City service will become year-round beginning in May, and the airline will add a 5th daily YYZ-LHR, bringing back the daytime flight east, with the XLR leaving Toronto at 8:30 a.m. and arriving in London at 9 p.m. Vancouver to Guangzhou will fly 3x weekly and year-round beginning May 4, and will operate on the B787. The Francophone’s out there will want to try out Montréal – Basel, a 4x weekly flight operating next summer on the A321XLR in competition with Air Transat’s service while YUL to Dubrovnik will also fly during the summer only, 3x weekly on the Dreamliner. JetBlue Receives Tentative Approval for LGA Slots The feds are unlikely to block JetBlue’s $58.5 million purchase of Spirit’s 22 ghost slots at New York/LGA made in July. The government published a notice in the Federal Register on Monday in which it said JetBlue’s slot purchase “ensures that scarce public airspace resources are returned to active commercial service under a proven low-fare business model.” What it didn’t say is that JetBlue’s proven low-fare business model only exists, because it can’t get people to pay more, but that isn’t the point. It matters, because the carrier needs an exemption from the FAA which currently prohibits the sale or purchase of LGA slots. Provided the deal goes through, JetBlue would be stuck with the slots and unable to move them until at least April 2028. The slots would also remain subject to the FAA’s whims authority, including its ability to yank them from JetBlue when it determines that doing so is in the public interest. The government says interested parties have until September 21 to comment on the descision. Our only request is that you CC us on your comments sent to the FAA. FlAAgship Suites Unveiled American Airlines showed the world what its new premium-configured B777-300ER will look like for passengers as it transitions away from international first class and instead focuses on its premium business class offering on long-haul flights. The updated B777-300ERs will feature a whopping 70 suites in business, along with 44 premium economy seats and another 30 extra legroom seats in Main Cabin Extra behind the curtain. The 70 suites will make this the largest business class cabin amongst U.S. carriers. This includes eight Flagship Suite Preferred seats which will be in the front row of both business class cabins. N718AN, the first retrofitted aircraft with the new cabin has now entered service and will fly on AA’s most premium routes which we assume to be DFW to El Paso, ORD to Moline, Miami to Tallahassee, and Phoenix to Tucson. The carrier will stop selling first class on these aircraft in November as the retrofit continues. This is despite knowing it’ll take more than a year to complete the full retrofit, meaning some will receive the first class seating at Business Class pricing. The people of Tucson and Moline better get moving on this before the seats are gone. United Increases App Functionality United’s app is generally considered to be the best amongst U.S. carriers, and it widened its lead this week, rolling out new features to give customers more options during irregular operations. When disrupted travel plans occur, passengers now have the option to standby for as many as three earlier flights at a time increasing the odds to get where it is they’re going (or at least figure out a path to get out of Newark). The new functionality will then text
Touring Flexjet’s First Gulfstream G500 : AirlineReporter
Flexjet’s first Gulfstream G500 in all her beauty When Flexjet recently reached out asking if I would like to tour their first Gulfstream G500 (N200FX), how could I refuse? I tried to act cool, but of course I was giddy to have the opportunity to check out one of the most premium private jets on the market today (I guess the cool kids are calling them “PJs”). N200FX sitting on the tarmac at King County International Airport (aka Boeing Field) Long ago, I had the opportunity to fly in the Very Light Jet Phenom 100 and also on the Executive Airliner Boeing Business Jet. Those were glorious experiences, but the aircraft are on opposite ends of the private jet spectrum. The G500 is considered a Heavy Jet and lies somewhere in between the two. You can see the color change paint from orange to green I met up with the Flexjet representatives at the FBO at King County International Airport (KBFI) and we walked out to the tarmac where N200FX awaited us. Of course there was no security, no lines, we just walked out to the plane when we were ready to go. I have to say that Flexjet has a beautiful livery and the fact that part of its paint design has “chameleon” paint that changes color depending on the sun’s angle, made it all that more special. After spending some quality time with the outside of the G500, I was delighted to board and check out the interior firsthand! I am about to board a Gulfstream G500 for the first time Walking up the stairs, I couldn’t help but notice the shiny chrome railing on each side. With the livery and the railings alone, I was already feeling that I was having a high-end experience. The very impressive flight deck of the Gulfstream G500 Once I boarded, my attention first went to the left — the flight deck. I spent some time chatting with the first officer and then he asked if I would like to sit in his seat. “Yes please,” I replied with a grin on my face. The setup was beyond impressive. Side sticks, glass readouts everywhere — with very few buttons, and even a tail camera was on one of the displays. I was told that she flies like a rocket ship and that the G500 model has the best power-to-weight ratio among all of the Gulfstream fleet. The passenger cabin was beyond impressive. You know you have arrived! After I had my time in the front of the aircraft, it was time to head to the back. The first thing I noticed was how spacious the cabin was. I am 6’1” and my head did not touch the ceiling and it was easy to walk up and down the aisle without having to turn sideways. The furnishings of the G500 were high-end, luxurious, but not pretentious. It didn’t feel like I was touring a stuffy museum where I wasn’t allowed to touch anything. That said, I still knew I was someplace very special. The colors, textures, and materials all worked together to create a wonderful, bespoke-like atmosphere. The left is the window open (be sure to check out some of the aircraft outside) on the right shows the light being filtered From the inside, the long oval windows were taller and wider than I expected – they were impressive. They are one of the things that make Gulfstream aircraft easily identifiable from the outside (at least for me). There are two sets of shades for each window: one to filter out some of the light, the other to make the cabin totally dark. You can control them at your seat or use the app. Yes…an app. Called Gulfstream My Cabin, it can work with the not only the shades, but also the lights and temperature based on your seat location. There is a pretty large lavatory in the rear (with access to the cargo area) with a solid real that can be shut Flexjet’s layout for their G500s A FEW FLEXJET & G500 FACTS WORTH SHARING: The aircraft offers a range of about 5,200nm and cruises at Mach 0.90 The G500 has a cabin altitude of only 3,255ft while flying at 41,000ft (the Boeing 787 is about 6,000ft) The current plan is for the G500s to replace the G450s in Flexjet’s fleet. Have some fun and view all the different aircraft layouts Each of Flexjet’s aircraft offer Starlink internet Flexjet offers more than 340 aircraft, with expectations to surpass 400 by 2027 They currently serve around 2,100 clients I am sitting in the “owner’s seat” and it felt darn comfy. I didn’t want to leave — I was bonding! One of the cool things about all the G500s coming into the fleet is they will all be a part of Flexjet’s Red Label program. One aspect of the program that caught my attention is dedicated crewing. That means the same crew will be assigned to one particular aircraft and that seems to make good sense to me. That way the crew will get to know the aircraft, learn its idiosyncrasies, and bond with the plane. Then it is more likely that the crew will go above and beyond taking care of their aircraft. Heck, I get it… I wasn’t even on N200FX for 45min and I was already bonding with her! That livery is look’n good on N200FX! How much does it all cost? Well it depends. Flexjet breaks down their different programs on their website, but pricing isn’t listed — you have to work with a representative. Just be prepared — I assume that it will cost more than your Basic Economy ticket. As Ferris Bueller wisely said: “It is so choice. If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up.” And if you do end up setting up a ride in a G500 (or any other PJ for that matter), I kindly ask that you swing by Seattle and pick
Alaska and Hawaiian Face $521,900 Art Cargo Lawsuit
Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and freight forwarder Compass Forwarding are being sued over more than $521,900 in alleged damage to a shipment of Japanese paintings transferred at Honolulu (HNL) during heavy rain. Distinguished Programs Insurance Brokerage filed the action on September 3 in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, New York County. The insurer is pursuing the case as subrogee of Naga Antiques, meaning it says it compensated the Hudson, New York, art dealer and acquired the right to seek recovery from the companies allegedly responsible for the loss. The insurer’s seven-page summons and complaint, assigned index number 161189/2026, seeks more than $521,900, interest dating from March 18, 2026, legal costs and other relief. The allegations have not yet been tested in court. Read our stories in your inbox Two aviation newsletters. Zero fluff. Paintings Allegedly Soaked During the Honolulu Transfer According to the complaint, Compass entered into a transportation contract as Naga’s agent on or about March 9. The shipment comprised 11 items described as original paintings on paper, packed in cardboard crates for carriage from Osaka Kansai (KIX) to New York JFK (JFK). The routing required a stop at HNL. Distinguished alleges the paintings were removed from an aircraft during a heavy rainstorm without precautions sufficient to protect them from water. The crates and their contents allegedly became soaked, causing damage valued at more than $521,900. The filing does not treat the loss as a minor handling error. It accuses the airlines of gross neglect, reckless disregard and willful misconduct, alleging personnel knew that leaving the shipment unprotected in heavy rain would probably damage the paintings. Similar allegations are directed at Compass, which the insurer says had contractual and bailment duties to transport and protect the artwork. The complaint separates its claims into one cause of action against Alaska and Hawaiian and another against Compass, while demanding judgment against all three defendants. The alleged loss occurred during an exceptional spell of wet weather across Hawaii. The National Weather Service’s summary of the March 10-24 severe-weather period describes back-to-back low-pressure systems, deep tropical moisture, thunderstorms and widespread heavy rain. Honolulu recorded 5.51 inches on March 13 and another 1.75 inches on March 14, both daily records. The Alaska-Hawaiian Structure Complicates the Claim The lawsuit names Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines as separate corporate defendants, although their operations were already closely integrated by March. Alaska Air Group acquired Hawaiian Holdings in September 2024, and the Federal Aviation Administration placed the two carriers under a single Alaska operating certificate on October 29, 2025. Hawaiian continued as a distinct customer-facing brand, but training, operating procedures, manuals, dispatch and regulatory oversight had been unified. Air Group’s 2025 annual report describes the combined Alaska and Hawaiian operation as carrying passengers and cargo across North America, Asia and the Pacific. That structure may make the contract and handling records particularly important. The complaint says Compass contracted with Alaska, names Hawaiian alongside it and refers to the two defendants collectively as the airline. Air waybills, custody records and ground-handling documents should establish which entity accepted the crates, which operation controlled them at HNL and how responsibility was divided during the transfer. ID 358286667 | Air © Boarding1now | Dreamstime.com Hawaiian’s Widebody Network Carries Belly Freight The itinerary follows Hawaiian’s established long-haul network through Honolulu. A published Hawaiian Air Cargo schedule lists the daily Osaka-Honolulu service as HA450, operated with the Airbus A330-200. The airline has also used both the A330-200 and Boeing 787-9 between Honolulu and JFK during different schedule periods. The A330-200 is central to Hawaiian’s passenger and belly-cargo operation. Alaska Air Group’s July 2026 fleet listing shows 24 aircraft, each configured for 278 passengers: 18 in First Class, 68 in Premium Class and 192 in the main cabin. Its widebody lower deck and transpacific range make it suitable for connecting Asian cargo through HNL to continental U.S. gateways. For artwork, however, the aircraft type is less consequential than the ground process. Freight must move between the aircraft and cargo facilities through an open ramp environment. Weather protection therefore depends on packaging, covered carts, transfer equipment, staging decisions and coordination among the carrier, ground handler and freight forwarder. International Cargo Liability May Limit the Recovery The amount demanded in the complaint is not necessarily the amount recoverable from the carriers. An Osaka-to-New York air shipment falls within the international cargo framework of the Montreal Convention, which standardizes carrier liability for cargo damage between participating countries. ICAO raised the convention’s cargo limit to 26 Special Drawing Rights per kilogram from December 28, 2024. The default calculation is based on the weight of the affected package or packages rather than the commercial value of their contents. A shipper can obtain a higher ceiling by making a special declaration of interest in delivery and paying any required supplementary charge. The treatment of the air waybill, declared value and shipment weight could therefore determine whether the insurer can pursue the paintings’ full alleged value against the airline defendants. The complaint’s repeated references to recklessness and willful misconduct are notable. Under the text of Article 22, the misconduct exception to liability limits expressly applies to passenger delay and baggage provisions in paragraphs one and two. It does not expressly extend to the cargo ceiling in paragraph three, making the shipment’s declared-interest terms potentially more significant than the language used to characterize the ramp handling. Bottom Line The case puts a high-value claim against an everyday weak point in widebody cargo operations: the movement between a protected aircraft hold and an airport cargo building. HNL’s role as Alaska Air Group’s central Pacific connecting point means international freight routinely changes aircraft there, and even a short period of exposure can become consequential when paper artwork is packed in water-vulnerable outer containers. For Alaska and Hawaiian, the dispute will test how contractual responsibility follows operational integration. A single certificate may simplify flying, but cargo claims still depend on the air waybill, corporate relationships, station procedures and the point at
Famous Trekking Trails of the World & Their Difficulty Ratings
Trek difficulty ratings are close to useless, simply because if someone says it’s challenging, it doesn’t mean the same “challenge”. A four-day walk in Iceland where a hut with a kitchen waits at the end of each day is very different from four weeks above 4000 metres in Bhutan where a snowstorm can end your trip. Both are challenging, but not even remotely comparable and if you’re planning a family trek with your kids, then each trek will create additional tests. Every trek below is ranked on three separate things that most people don’t put together: how hard it is on your body, how much altitude risk it carries, and how much administrative friction stands between you and the trailhead. That last one is the one nobody writes about, and it’s the main reason more trips never happen. The three things that actually decide whether you finish Physical load. Total ascent matters more than distance. Corsica’s GR20 covers 180 km, but climbs roughly 10,000 m across it, which is why fit people limp off it. A flatter trail twice the length can be easier. Altitude risk. Above about 3,000 m, your body starts working noticeably harder. Above 4500 m, altitude sickness becomes a planning problem rather than a footnote, but it can vary from person to person. Here’s what surprises people: gym fitness offers almost no protection. For example, I’ve never had an issue in Peru while some others needed to use oxygen bottles) Logistical friction. Permit caps, booking lotteries, hut reservations that open in January, guide requirements written into national law, seasonal closures, and flights that only run in decent weather. A trek can be physically easy and still be out of reach because you didn’t book it a year in advance. Most round-ups only cover the first. The three treks below with the highest friction scores are the ones people most often give up on, and not one of them is the hardest walk on the list. Tier one: manageable if you walk regularly 1. Laugavegur Trail, Iceland Distance 55 km / 34 mi · Days 3 to 4 · Max altitude ~1,100 m / 3,600 ft Iceland is on everyone’s bucket list. It’s a perfect destination for everyone and views are unbeatable and treks are honestly fairly easy. You can surely do them with kids as well (I’ve done it with my 7 year old!). The only problem? The huts. They’re run by the Icelandic Touring Association, they’re small, and they sell out months ahead for the short late-June to early-September season. Camping alongside them needs pre-booking too. There’s a bus at each end and no road access in the middle, so a weather day means sitting it out rather than walking out. 2. Alta Via 1, Dolomites, Italy Distance ~120 km / 75 mi · Days 10 to 12 · Max altitude ~2,750 m / 9,000 ft Lago di Braies south to Belluno, sleeping in rifugios that serve proper dinners and cold beer is literally straight out of a postcard. The altitude never becomes a health issue, and cable cars let you shorten sections without shame. While there are many Via Ferratas, you can definitely skip them if you’re traveling with kids. I used to hike all over the Dolomites and skipped the harder treks when my firstborn was just a baby. We could still stay in mountain huts without any issues – they’re all kid-friendly. Rifugio bookings open early in the year, and the popular ones go fast. Season is roughly late June to late September and rain can definitely interrupt your trip, so it’s a tough one to plan. 3. W Trek, Torres del Paine, Chile Distance ~80 km / 50 mi · Days 4 to 5 · Max altitude ~1,200 m / 3,900 ft Patagonian granite towers, glaciers and wind strong enough to knock you sideways. Physically it’s moderate and many backpackers do it without any preparation. Administratively, it’s one of the strictest trails anywhere, with park entry plus separate accommodation bookings across two different concession operators, and rangers will turn you back at checkpoints if you can’t show them. You must book everything six months out for the October to April window. Tier two: fit, but no technical skills needed 1. Salkantay Trek, Peru Distance ~72 km / 45 mi · Days 5 · Max altitude 4,630 m / 15,190 ft It’s probably the trek most people dream about and then miss out on. It reaches Machu Picchu without the Inca Trail‘s permit cap. Inca Trail places sell out four to six months ahead and since that cap counts guides and porters, the real number of trekker slots is much smaller than the headline. Salkantay has no equivalent lottery, crosses a higher pass, and sees fewer people on the trail. You still need to acclimatise in Cusco so that part alone will be rough for many. However, two trips later, one of which was with my kids, I had no problem with the altitude, and that includes even higher elevations like the Rainbow Mountain trek. 2. Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania Distance ~70 km / 43 mi · Days 7 to 8 · Max altitude 5,895 m / 19,341 ft Africa’s high point that can be reached on foot. Route length is the whole game here: summit success rates on seven- and eight-day routes are markedly better than on the five-day options, purely because of acclimatisation. Guides are required by Tanzanian law, and porters carry the camp, so booking is straightforward and the trek can be actually relaxing. Plus, you can add an African safari to your itinerary straight away. Tier three: real commitment 1. Annapurna Circuit, Nepal Distance: 160 to 230 km depending on road transfers · Days 12 to 18 · Max altitude 5,416 m / 17,769 ft at Thorong La Annapurna is the most spectacular trek across subtropical valleys to Tibetan high desert. Some claim it offers the most amazing mountain views in the world, but it’s slippery, which is
The 10 Best Bakeries in Rome for Pastries & Bread
Rome doesn’t really do delicate. This is a city that treats bread and pastry as something closer to sustenance and ritual than indulgence — you eat your cornetto standing up, elbow to elbow with a dozen strangers, coffee in hand, and you’re back on the street within four minutes. There’s no elaborate plating culture here, no French-style precision for its own sake — what Rome does instead is deceptively simple, deeply ingredient-driven baking that’s barely changed in generations: fresh maritozzi filled with obscene amounts of whipped cream, pizza bianca torn straight from the tray and wrapped in paper, and bread made using fermentation techniques some of these bakeries have quietly perfected over decades while the rest of the food world caught up to sourdough. We’ve spent entire mornings in Rome doing nothing but bakery-hopping between neighbourhoods, and if you’re planning to do the same, these are the ten stops worth building your itinerary — and your appetite — around. 1. Roscioli If you only have time for one bakery stop in Rome, make it Roscioli. Famous citywide for its bread and pastry counter, it’s as much an institution as it is a shop — attached to a renowned deli and restaurant that draws its own devoted following. The bread counter alone is worth the visit, but it’s worth arriving hungry enough to also try whatever’s come fresh out of the oven that morning, since the selection shifts throughout the day. 2. Regoli Tucked into the Esquilino neighbourhood, Regoli has been baking since the early 1900s and is widely considered the benchmark for Rome’s most iconic pastry: the maritozzo. These cream-filled sweet buns are a genuine Roman institution, and Regoli’s century of practice shows in the balance between the soft, slightly sweet bun and the generous, unapologetic amount of whipped cream inside. 3. Antico Forno Roscioli A separate stop from its more famous sibling, Antico Forno Roscioli is where to go specifically for pizza bianca and traditional Roman-style focaccia. This is the kind of bakery locals duck into on the way to somewhere else, emerging with a paper-wrapped slice eaten on the move — simple, salty, olive-oil-drenched, and exactly what Roman bread culture is built on. 4. Pasticceria De Bellis De Bellis is Rome’s answer to what happens when traditional Italian pastry meets modern, design-forward precision. Every piece here looks almost architectural — clean lines, exact proportions — without losing the flavour integrity of the classic recipes it’s reinterpreting. It’s a good stop for travelers who want to see where Italian pastry tradition is heading next, rather than only where it’s been. 5. Bonci Pizzarium Technically a pizza al taglio shop rather than a bakery in the traditional sense, Bonci Pizzarium is essential to understanding Rome’s relationship with bread. Gabriele Bonci’s long-fermentation dough and ever-changing, market-driven toppings have made this a pilgrimage stop for anyone serious about Roman baking, and it’s often cited as the standard every other pizza al taglio shop in the city is measured against. 6. Panificio Bonci From the same team behind Pizzarium, Panificio Bonci shifts the focus specifically to bread and baked goods, using the same exacting fermentation philosophy. It’s a quieter, less crowded way to experience Bonci’s technique if the queues at Pizzarium feel like too much of a commitment. 7. Pasticceria Boccione Hidden in Rome’s old Jewish Ghetto, Boccione is one of the city’s most historically significant bakeries — a family-run institution for generations, famous for its dense ricotta and sour cherry tart. There’s no seating, no fuss, and often no clear sign out front, which is exactly the point; this is a bakery that has never needed to try. 8. Faggiani Widely regarded as one of the best pure bread bakeries in Rome, Faggiani has built its reputation on long-fermentation techniques that produce a genuinely exceptional crust and crumb. It’s a favourite among Rome’s food-obsessed locals rather than a tourist stop, which makes it worth the slight detour to track down. 9. Cristalli di Zucchero For a more refined, French-influenced take on Italian pastry, Cristalli di Zucchero offers delicate, technically precise desserts that sit slightly outside Rome’s more rustic baking tradition. It’s a good contrast stop if you’ve spent the morning eating cornetti standing at a bar counter and want something a little more considered in the afternoon. 10. Pasticceria Barberini A classic, old-school pastry counter near the Trevi Fountain, Barberini is exactly the kind of unpretentious neighbourhood spot Romans have relied on for decades — perfect for a quick espresso and cornetto between sightseeing stops, without needing to seek out anything more elaborate. Rome Bakery Neighborhoods to Know Testaccio and the Jewish Ghetto hold some of Rome’s most historic, tradition-focused bakeries, while the city center is dense with quick espresso-bar-style pastry counters. FAQs: Bakeries in Rome What pastry is Rome most known for? The maritozzo — a sweet bun filled with whipped cream — is one of Rome’s most iconic bakery items, alongside cornetti and pizza bianca. What time do Romans eat pastries? Cornetti are traditionally a breakfast item, eaten standing at a bar counter with an espresso, typically before 10am. Is Rome a good city for bread lovers? Yes — Rome has a strong long-fermentation bread tradition, with bakeries like Faggiani and Roscioli leading a renewed focus on artisan bread. Still want more? The WOW Guide to Rome The best luxury hotels in Rome The 7 Most Instagrammable Places in Rome Brooke Saward Brooke Saward founded World of Wanderlust as a place to share inspiration from her travels and to inspire others to see our world. She now divides her time between adventures abroad and adventures in the kitchen, with a particular weakness for French pastries. Find me on: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook Source link
Join the U30X Travel Community
As travelers, we love connecting with others and sharing new experiences together while we are abroad. We want to bring that same energy and excitement to your hometown! Of course, our group trips will always be there for you when you are ready for your next adventure, but until then, stay connected with the Under30Experiences travel community at home through our meetup events! Traveler meetups are a great way to meet new friends, socialize with like-minded people, and discover the excitement that your own city has to offer. We have regularly planned meetups all across the country. Check out our schedule of upcoming traveler meetups below: Saturday, August 29, 2026 Summer Sampler at Brother Bryant Park – Birmingham, AL5:00 PM – Details and RSVP here Saturday, September 5, 2026 Lucha Libre – Chicago, IL12:00 PM – Details and RSVP here Sunday, September 6, 2026 Oregon Ridge & Loggers Trail Hike – Baltimore, MD2:00 PM – Details and RSVP here Saturday, October 10, 2026 Board Game Night – Washington D.C.3:00 PM – Details and RSVP here Sunday, October 11 2026 Fiesta Baltimore – Baltimore, MD12:30 PM – Details and RSVP here Stay in touch with your city’s travel community! Stay up-to-date and get notified of all the upcoming meetup events in your city. Trip alumni can join the WhatsApp group for their home city so they can stay in touch and talk travel with their local travel community. See all of our city group chats listed under The Experiences Group WhatsApp community in the app! Join your local meetup group here. Don’t see your city on the list? Alumni can apply to be Event Managers! Meet our Event Managers Danielle Kanclerz Berlin, DE/Digital Nomad Trips been on: Peru, Thailand, Guatemala, Yucatan Peninsula, Morocco, South Africa, Egypt. Favorite trip experience: Roasting marshmallows on an active volcano in Guatemala and morning walks with the giraffes in South Africa! Bio: Hey, I’m Danielle! I’m from Metro Detroit originally but also lived in Ohio, Missouri, and San Francisco during my twenties before going on a 2-year digital nomad journey. Now I call Berlin, Germany home. I love travel, urban exploration, museums, small-scale theater productions, electronic music, and learning about different cultures! I work in international education and college admissions, which takes me to far flung destinations around the world but I set aside a fair amount of time for personal travels as well. I’ve been to 52 different countries (and counting!) and continue to look for every excuse I can to explore even more! Shelby Broughton Atlanta, GA Trips I’ve been on: Morocco, Iceland, and South Africa. Future trips: Costa Rica, Bali Favorite Trip Experience: Riding camels through the Sahara desert Bio: Hello! My name is Shelby and I am originally from Kernersville, North Carolina but currently reside in Atlanta, GA. I work in the healthcare field full time in Orthopedics but indulge in various hobbies outside of work including camping and hiking, art, intramurals and having new experiences with friends. I love to travel, and finding U30X has opened so many doors to different parts of the world. You can always find me trying new things or meeting a new friend! Danyelle Parris SE Michigan My U30X/O30X Trips: Costa Rica Starter, Belize, Costa Rica Adventure, Thailand Favorite Experience: whitewater rafting the absolutely beautiful Pacuare River Bio: Hi! I’m Danyelle, and if there’s one thing I love more than traveling, it’s being out on the water. Whether it’s boating, kayaking, swimming, or simply soaking in the serene beauty, you’ll find me embracing every moment spent on the water. What I love about U30X/O30X is the opportunity to explore the world’s most fascinating destinations while immersing myself in local cultures and forming lifelong connections with like-minded adventurers. Now, I’m excited to bring that same spirit of adventure and camaraderie to Southeast Michigan, sharing the joy of travel and exploration with others who share my passions. Lexie Miller Baltimore, MD Trips been on: Mexico, Costa Rica, Galapagos, South Africa, India, South Korea Favorite Experience: Snorkeling with seals in Galapagos Bio: Hi I’m Lexie, your Baltimore aka Charm City based event host! From an early age I loved family travel trips that led me to study abroad in Istanbul, Turkey and Singapore. Since then I have visited all 7 continents, 75 countries, and all 50 states. I have a passion for bringing people together through events and love talking about how traveling with U30X has been great to create so many amazing memories and friends that will last my lifetime. When I’m not traveling or hosting, you can find me exploring Baltimore, watching live sports, gardening, reading, or working on house projects. Rachael Jones Denver, CO Trips been on: Greece, Ireland, Thailand, South Korea, Egypt Favorite Experience: I have so many favorites. Cooking class in Paros, the elephant sanctuary in Thailand, seeing the Cliffs of Moher, but visiting the DMZ in South Korea is what stands out because of the way it altered the chemistry in my brain. I love experiences that humble us and force us to acknowledge how small our problems really are. I appreciated experiencing the gravity of the history there and being reminded to never take for granted how fortunate I truly am. Bio: Hey everyone my name is Rachael, but my friends call me Rach :). I’ve been a flight attendant for the last 12 1/2 years and an exercise physiologist in cardiopulmonary rehab for the last 2 years. I work hard, but I always make time to travel and reconnect with the world. Over the past twelve years I have traveled to 21 countries spanning 5 continents. What I love most about my trips with Under30Experiences is the way they curate the experience into cultural immersion and not just tourist attractions. The team really wants you to get a sense of what the local community is like and offers the chance to not only be a part of it but to embrace it. I have loved getting to know and expand
In defense of the bold and fearless weka: New Zealand’s most unruly bird
Sharing is caring! I can still remember the first time I saw a weka here in New Zealand. Traveling around the South Island, I was staying in a cute cabin in the forest on the West Coast. On a humid, warm day, I left the doors open, hoping for a breeze. First rookie mistake, guys: never leave anything open when visiting the West Coast in the bush. You will be annihilated by sandflies. Looking up from my book, I saw that a big, fat brown bird had wandered inside, poking around fearlessly. What is this thing? I had no idea. I spent the next 10 minutes shooing it around, trying to encourage it to go back outside while it shat everywhere. Not a good first encounter with the weka. Later I would learn they can poop their body weight in a day. Respect. But they haven’t really risen in my esteem until recently. However, I’ve just returned from an adventure on the Heaphy Track, where, you guessed it, there were tons of weka. And as much as I find them annoying, they are a cheeky, fun, charismatic bird that doesn’t get enough love. Allow me the chance to try to redeem them. New Zealand weka have such an attitude. They are not afraid of much, including people, and are very curious. They will come right up to you begging for food (don’t feed them) and will snatch anything if you’re not vigilant. This is around places where people congregate; they are a little less bold in more remote spots. While I was having my lunch underneath a little shelter on the first day walking the Heaphy Track, I was quickly swarmed by four weka. One was particularly brave, coming right up to me, and when I tried to shoo it away, it LITERALLY growled at me. Or whatever the weka equivalent of a growl is. More of an angry chuff-like shriek that sounds like it has smoked for fifty years. Whatever. I understood what it meant; not backing down, this daring weka just stared me down until I finished my crackers. What a power move. But you gotta hand it to them. In a country where native birds are dying left, right, and center, the weka seems to lack any sense of self-preservation. Live free or die! In the scheme of things in New Zealand, weka aren’t particularly sexy birds. They’re not fluffy and elusive like kiwi. They don’t have the gorgeous colors of the kea. They didn’t return from the dead like takahē, nor do they get drunk like kererū and fall out of trees. But in their own way, weka are beautiful. And their chicks? Omg so cute; they look like blackish-brown balls of fluff. And that’s saying something because not all baby birds are cute. And they are very interesting. Large brown flightless birds, the wily weka are solid, hefty creatures belonging to the rail family. Sometimes, the bigger ones are almost perfectly round, like a ball with legs. There are four subspecies, and their coloring ranges from chestnut to tawny to dark brown. Some have a bit of grey or black mixed in there, too. When spooked, they often jump straight up and run around, with their tail feathers sticking straight up, making them look almost cartoonish. The extroverts of the bird world have red eyes, which are beautiful yet slightly intimidating if they’re staring at you. Can you spot the weka and their markings? Invertebrates and fruit comprise the weka’s main diet, and they rip up grass and gardens alike foraging for food. I can almost see grumpy old people yelling at disobedient youths to get off their lawns. I’ve seen weka chow down on dead things, even grazing on the shoreline and tide pools. What’s good is that they eat rabbits, rats, and mice, which are pests here. But they will also eat other lizards, birds, chicks, and eggs, which doesn’t endear them, especially if they go after vulnerable species. Weka play for their own team. Because of this predatory tendency, weka are not usually welcome on off-shore predator-free islands or eco-sanctuaries (though some have been reintroduced to their own islands). I think this is fascinating! Kicked out of the rare bird club. Badass. But then again, people still eat weka on the nearby Chatham Islands, and there is a bit of a movement here to farm them. And by a bit of a movement, I mean one rouge farmer who will die on the hill of dining on weka: “I’m prepared to go to jail over it. You put me in jail, and you make a martyr of me.” Lol. I love living in New Zealand. And here we thought Australia was the only place to eat its iconic animal. Anyway, we are a long way off from chowing down on fried weka at the local pub. Do you fry them? Or is it more like a roast? No idea. I just googled it with no definitive answers; I hope I don’t end up on a list somewhere. In any case, weka are fully protected on the mainland here, but they still face the same threats our other native birds do, particularly predation, habitat loss, food scarcity/competition, and getting hit by cars. Their populations boom and crash, and their distribution has been shaken up a lot. Some do ok, others don’t. There is a recovery plan to try and return them to their original homelands. Bring back the weka. The gregarious weka have long been significant to some Māori iwi in New Zealand as a valuable resource for food, oil, and feathers. Many of the early European settlers wrote about their big personalities and thievery. But what I really want to know is who they harassed before people came here. Weka will not be told how to live their lives. And I admire that. This is a kiwi chick, not a weka I can’t tell you how often I’ve met travelers visiting
Where to Stay in NYC For a Weekend Trip (For First-time Visitors)
The accommodation is a huge part of any trip, but when it comes to NYC it can make or break your trip. You want to make sure that you are able to access as much of the area as possible from the door of your hotel when visiting New York City. You don’t want to have to travel super far every day to visit all the attractions planned. In this article, we’re going to be taking a look at some of the accommodation options that we think are the best choices if you’re going to be staying for a weekend in New York City. Last summer I visited NYC again (I used to live in the Big Apple when I was a student), this time with my two kids for a weekend before heading over to Europe. I was very glad we picked the right hotel, as I can honestly admit that we probably wouldn’t have covered as much… and we’d definitely not have taken our cat Poofy to see the Statue of Liberty otherwise 😉 Poofy visiting NYC! Where to Stay in NYC for First Time Visit Margaritaville Resort Times Square – for Those Looking for Active Nightlife A 4-star hotel located in Times Square, Margaritaville Resort has been open since 2021. It’s the first New York City property from this brand, and combines a tropical resort theme with a Midtown location. There are multiple restaurants, bars, a fitness center, and a rooftop pool with city views. What you don’t tend to find in NYC hotels is a vacation-style atmosphere, but Margaritaville Resort Times Square bridges that gap. As such, it’s a popular choice for tourists, and those who are visiting this place for the first time or those wanting to catch as many Broadway shows as possible. One of the biggest pros of this hotel is definitely the location, only ever steps away from Times Square and subway lines if you want to venture out a little more. In fact, this is often seen as one of the best features of the hotel. You might be surprised to hear that the rooms are actually pretty quiet even though you’re right in Times Square. The rooftop bar and pool are also definite selling points. This is rare to find in Manhattan hotels that aren’t insanely priced and as such they are some of the most distinctive features of this hotel. Are there any cons? A common complaint is that there always seems to be an issue with the elevators. Either they are slow, guests are having to wait forever to get up to their rooms, they are overcrowded and there are occasional times where they are not working at all. This is especially prevalent during busy periods, but on the other hand it’s not unique to this hotel but many of them in NYC. Another thing to note is the price. In NYC, you don’t always feel as though you’re getting what you pay for because the rooms are small, but that’s something to keep in mind. The William Vale Brooklyn – For Those Wanting a More Local Experience If you’re looking for a place with modern architecture, private balconies, rooftop venues, and a beautiful skyline view, then The William Vale might just be exactly what you’re looking for. It’s now one of the most recognizable hotels in Brooklyn, and is popular with people who want a more neighborhood-focused experience rather than heavy hustle and bustle. This place has floor-to-ceiling windows in every room, as well as a rooftop bar, outdoor pool, fitness center, and hosts multiple cultural events. You don’t get many balconies in Manhattan, but in Brooklyn it’s a nice change. Honestly, for those wanting a slightly more peaceful experience than staying near Times Square, Brooklyn is awesome. The skyline views of Manhattan are great, and in 10 minutes you can reach Manhattan by either boat or subway. Are there any cons? While the rooftop is awesome, a lot of people crammed up there trying to take pics, which creates a less intimate experience. M Social Hotel Times Square – For Ultimate Luxury Seekers The final option is M Social Hotel, which is an upscale hotel located on West 52nd Street, right on the edge of Times Square. While the location is great for first-time visitors, the best selling point of this hotel is that rooms are unusually big for Manhattan. They allow more people, which is great for families (and kids under 12 eat for free there!) or those needing more space. Another fantastic aspect is their roof terrace, which has unobstructed views of Times Square, allowing you to enjoy the hustle and bustle of the square from above, in peace. What about cons? There is some noise that still reaches the rooms at times, as there is only so much soundproofing can do. Hopefully, you have found this article helpful, and now see some of the fantastic accommodation options for the best possible weekend in New York City. Of course, there are a lot of other factors that are going to impact your trip, but this is one of the most important. You want to feel the city vibes at all times, and you want to make sure you’re comfortable while you do it. Each option on this list provides you with exactly that. Source link
The 12 Best Bakeries in London for Pastries & Bread
London’s bakery scene has exploded over the past decade, driven by a new generation of sourdough-obsessed, technique-focused bakers. But if you’re looking for the best bakeries in London, there are a few standout players serving up unmissable pastries, sourdough loaves and seasonal specials too good to miss whilst in the English capital. These are our top 10 choices to add to your bakery bucket list when in London. The best bakeries in London for pastries and bread (top 10) E5 Bakehouse — A Hackney institution credited with helping kickstart London’s modern sourdough movement. Gail’s Bakery — Now a citywide chain, but still reliably excellent for sourdough and morning pastries. Pophams Bakery — Known for its inventive laminated pastries, including a much-loved bacon and maple pain au chocolat. St. John Bakery — From the renowned nose-to-tail restaurant, famous for its Eccles cakes and Chelsea buns. Bread Ahead — A Borough Market bakery famous for its doughnuts and hands-on baking classes. Fabrique — A Swedish bakery import known for its cardamom buns, popular with the Shoreditch crowd. Layla Bakery — A newer Hackney bakery earning a cult following for its cardamom buns and seasonal fruit danishes. Comptoir Gourmand — A French bakery-café known for classic, technically precise viennoiserie. Ole & Steen — A Danish bakery chain known for its “cinnamon socials” and reliably excellent Nordic-style pastries. Yeast Bakery — A Fulham favourite for its inventive croissant flavours and strong Instagram following. Konditor — Known citywide for its cakes, particularly its “Magic Cake” range, alongside solid everyday bakes. The Dusty Knuckle — An Dalston bakery with a strong social mission, known for its sourdough and focaccia. Bonus choice: Buns from Home — although not your typical bread and pastry bake shop, Buns from Home has built a reputation for itself as having some of the best buns in London. Now with multiple outposts around the city, its a top choice for that morning cinnamon bun craving, or if you’re feeling adventurous the seasonal specials offer surprisingly good creations. Bonus choice: Santa Nata —another top choice for a specialty treat is Santa Nata, a small outpost serving up freshly baked Portuguese tarts throughout the day. This is the only item this bakery sells, but if you’re an egg tart lover like me, this is as close as you’ll get to the real thing in London and I never miss a pitstop (or two!) when I’m in town. London Bakery Neighborhoods to Know Hackney and Dalston have become London’s bakery epicenter over the past decade, home to E5 Bakehouse, Layla Bakery, and The Dusty Knuckle within a short distance of each other. FAQs: Bakeries in London Why has London’s bakery scene grown so much? A new generation of bakers trained in artisan sourdough and French technique has driven a citywide bakery boom over the past 10-15 years. What is the best bakery neighborhood in London? Hackney and Dalston in East London have the highest concentration of well-regarded independent bakeries. Where can I take a bread-making class in London? Bread Ahead at Borough Market runs regular hands-on baking classes for all skill levels. Still want more? Solo in London: The Best Things to Do in London Solo The Best Luxury Hotels in London The Royal Guide to London: Where to spot a royal in London Brooke Saward Brooke Saward founded World of Wanderlust as a place to share inspiration from her travels and to inspire others to see our world. She now divides her time between adventures abroad and adventures in the kitchen, with a particular weakness for French pastries. Find me on: Twitter | Instagram | Facebook Source link